On 29th January 2026, CEO Clubs Network hosted an inspiring women-led leadership luncheon at Shangri-La Dubai, bringing together influential women leaders for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue, connection, and collaboration.
The event featured a powerful panel discussion on “Resilient Leadership – How Women Navigate Change, Crisis, and High-Stakes Decisions,” offering insightful perspectives on leadership in today’s complex and fast-evolving business landscape. The session explored themes of adaptability, decision-making under pressure, and the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles across industries.
The panel was expertly moderated by Ms. Sarah Dong, Managing Partner of CEO Clubs Network, and included distinguished speakers: Ms. Fariha Salahuddin, Founder of FarihaS FZE; Ms. Neetu Choudhary, CEO & Founder of Evolvitude FZE; Ms. Grishma Apte, General Manager of MyAlfred LLC; Ms. Denise Zhou, Chief Strategic Officer of Future One MENA; and Ms. Simina Farcasiu, Founder of The Coaching Science and Vanity Exclusive Consulting. Each panelist shared candid experiences and practical insights, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation.
· Ms. Neetu Choudhary emphasized that true empowerment lies in treating women equally daily, rather than offering symbolic or selective support under the label of women- empowerment initiatives. She highlighted that consistent inclusion and merit-based recognition create lasting impact.
· Ms. Grishma Apte shared her journey of growth within a corporate environment, reflecting on how her professional evolution has shaped her leadership style. She expressed her aspiration to be a strong personal and professional role model for her son.
· Ms. Simina Farcasiu stressed the importance of encouraging women to boldly pursue leadership roles aligned with their ambitions. She highlighted the need for women to step forward with confidence and not shy away from their desires or potential. Women often manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, requiring them to lead not only with logic, but also by drawing on their second and third intelligence; the heart and the gut.
· Ms. Denise Zhou spoke about overcoming the fear of uncertainty during times of crisis and change. She shared how embracing adaptability and strategic thinking enabled her to navigate high-pressure situations with resilience.
· Ms. Fariha Salahuddin highlighted that age should never be a limiting factor for women in leadership. She discussed how women successfully navigate change across different life stages, both personally and professionally, with confidence and clarity.
Following the discussion, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch in the elegant setting of Dunes Café, complemented by an engaging speed-networking session that encouraged meaningful connections and collaboration.
CEO Clubs Network extends special thanks to H.E. Marissa Grobler, Consul General, Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Namibia in the UAE, for her presence and support, which added distinction to the event.
The luncheon reflected CEO Clubs Network’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive leadership, empowering women, and creating platforms where leaders can connect, learn, and grow beyond traditional business settings.
